OSI
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Open Systems Interconnection (model) |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
OSI has two meanings. It stands for Open Systems Interconnection (model) (networking) or Open Source Initiative (software).
Meanings of OSI at a glance
| # | OSI stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Systems Interconnection (model) | Technology & Computing › Networking |
| 2 | Open Source Initiative | Technology & Computing › Software |
1. Open Systems Interconnection (model)
Technology & Computing · Networking Abbreviations
A seven-layer reference model that divides network communication into physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation and application layers. Engineers use the layer numbers as shorthand, so a "Layer 2 switch" works with MAC addresses and a "Layer 7 load balancer" understands HTTP.
Example: Is this an OSI layer 1 problem, like a bad cable, or a DNS issue further up the stack?
Published by ISO as standard 7498 in 1984. The OSI protocols themselves lost out to TCP/IP, but the model survived as a teaching tool and a shared vocabulary. Students memorize the layers with mnemonics such as "Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away". Engineers joke about "layer 8" problems, meaning user error.
2. Open Source Initiative
Technology & Computing · Software Abbreviations
Nonprofit founded in 1998 that maintains the Open Source Definition and approves licenses as "OSI-approved", the usual benchmark for whether a license counts as open source. Its list includes the MIT, Apache 2.0, GPL and MPL licenses.
Example: Only OSI-approved licenses are allowed for projects hosted by the foundation.
Bruce Perens and Eric S. Raymond co-founded the OSI, and its definition was adapted from the Debian Free Software Guidelines. In 2024 it published an Open Source AI Definition, which sparked debate over whether training data must be shared for a model to count as open. In networking, OSI refers to the Open Systems Interconnection model, an unrelated term.
Related abbreviations
More networking abbreviations
- NFV – Network functions virtualization
- NOC – Network operations center
- NS – Name server (record)
- NTP – Network Time Protocol
- OSPF – Open Shortest Path First
- P2P – Peer-to-peer
- PAN – Personal area network
- PAT – Port address translation
See all 113 networking abbreviations →